Bishkek, Jan. 16, 2026. /Kabar/. Today, Kyrgyzstan has created the most favorable conditions for garment workers, Temir Sariev, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic told during a meeting of the Ala-Too parliamentary group to hear information on the current situation in the garment industry, employment, and the economy.
"When we visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and talk to entrepreneurs, they complain that Kyrgyz manufacturers are pushing them out of the market. Russian buyers also note that the level of our garment workers is three to five times higher, and the quality of their products meets European standards," he noted.
Sariev emphasized that Kyrgyzstan needs to move into a higher price segment and move away from mass-produced cheap goods.
"I once said that we need to sew more expensive clothing, not T-shirts and underwear," he said.
Furthermore, the head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry addressed the issue of working within the Eurasian Economic Union. He noted that inappropriate statements are often heard in the public sphere from certain members of parliament and bloggers.
"The main market for our products is Russia; almost 100% of our exports go there. Therefore, we need to pay special attention to the clothing industry," Sariev emphasized.
He also noted that, amid economic difficulties and declining budget revenues, Russia has tightened its import requirements.
"While many issues were previously resolved more easily, strict procedures have now been introduced, including for VAT and documentation." "We need to establish order ourselves, properly process goods and accompanying documents, then the process will be easier. The market is changing, and policies have changed," he said.
According to him, about 90% of sales are now moving to marketplaces, and Kyrgyz producers need to be prepared to operate under these new conditions.